New York City celebrated another St. Patrick’s Day with a big parade this week, and once again the occasion highlighted just how stupid some people boasting Irish blood can be. Even though most of the participants have never set foot in Ireland they seem to think their Irish heritage is a mighty thing; untainted by any racial impurities, and certainly nothing “queer.”
But that, of course, is sheer nonsense. Homosexuality abounds in all cultures and races, and if the Irish think they are immune to such things, then they are a seriously misguided lot. But for the past 15 years, organizers of the famous St. Patrick’s Day parade in New York City have kept their heads buried in the sand, barring Irish Gay and Lesbian groups from participating in their public display or "Irishness."
The big issue in this year’s parade was whether or not to allow a City Council member - who also happens to be a lesbian - to wear some sort of “Gay Pride” button or sash when she marched with the other "normal" council members in the parade. Her request was refused by parade chairman John Dunleavy.
"Today is St. Patrick's Day. We celebrate our faith and heritage. Everything else is secondary," said Dunleavy. "If an Israeli group wants to march in New York, do you allow Neo-Nazis into their parade? If African Americans are marching in Harlem, do they have to let the Ku Klux Klan into their parade? “
If that warped “logic” wasn’t enough to display his cro-mag credentials, Dunleavy had more to say: “If we let the ILGO (Irish Lesbian & Gay Organization) in, is it the Irish Prostitute Association next?”
What is it with this tactic of besmirching someone’s reputation by associating them with prostitutes? Prostitution is an old and noble profession. The world would be a far better place if there were more prostitutes and less soldiers and politicians. Not to mention, less bigoted Irish fellows.
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